Mirabai creates world record in clean and jerk

Tashkent, April 17: Former world champion Mirabai Chanu made a splendid return to the weightlifting arena, setting a new world record in clean and jerk while also bettering her own national record en route winning a bronze medal at the Asian Championship here on Saturday. Chanu also confirmed her Tokyo Olympic spot as she has now competed in the six mandatory qualifying events. The 26-year-old Indian lifted 86kg in snatch and a world record of 119kg in clean and jerk for a total of 205kg. The earlier clean and jerk world record was 118kg. The gold medal went to Hou Zhihui of China who created a new world record in snatch and total weight with an effort of 213kg. Chanu failed to lift 85kg in her first two snatch attempts but then lifted 86kg in her final attempt. However, she finished fourth best. Chanu began her clean and jerk with a 113kg and then lifted 117kg successfully for her personal best. The Indian then bettered her own performance, hoisting 119kg, more than twice here body weight. (PTI)